Amusement Parks, Parliament and Everything In Between

This week in Copenhagen has definitely been the busiest to date. I'm happy to report, however, that this wasn't the result of homework assignments or reading loads but rather several trips and guided tours our class took throughout the city. Monday started off with a trip to Tivoli Gardens - the second oldest amusement park in the world and arguably Copenhagen's greatest landmark (debatable with the "Little Mermaid" statue). Though I'm not one who enjoys roller coasters or anything, really, that involves being spun around at high speeds, I had a wonderful time at Tivoli just walking around enjoying the sites with my fellow non-riders. It was a very charming park with plenty of shops, theaters, carnival food and free entertainment stages all around.Whether you're looking for a thrill or just want to enjoy an ice cream and show, Tivoli is definitely a must-see while in Copenhagen.

Entrance

Tivoli Gardens

One of the many intimidating but very popular rides

Inside the park

Row of shops

The next stop on our list was a visit to the Danish Parliament where we received a lecture about religion in relation to global security by Naser Khader - a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party. As a Political Science major, it was a very exciting moment for me to be able and listen to MP Khader while sitting in the place considered to be the "center of Danish democracy." After a Q&A session we took a break for lunch along the canals and returned for a guided tour.

Outside of Parliament

Inside the Folketing Chamber

Canal lunch break

Inside Parliament

Following our visit to Parliament we stopped by the headquarters of Danmarks Radio (DR) - the largest broadcasting center in the country. Here we were greeted by Thomas Falbe, Chief Editor of the foreign news division, who spoke to us about the media's role in promoting issues considered to be security threats (just a quick reminder, this course is all about assessing what one may consider a "threat" to global security, ie. climate change, religious radicalism, eco-terrorism). We wrapped up the day by taking a guided tour around the center which, in addition to the news department, encompassed radio stations, music recording rooms, television studios and several concert halls. As you can tell from the photos, it is a very modern structure which actually provided a nice change of scenery from the historic buildings you become accustomed to in central Copenhagen.

Inside DR

View from inside floor

Another view from inside

Another view - they like their windows

Finally, we made our way over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a way of incorporating our discussion of security and fragile states. Everyone here was extremely accommodating and welcomed us with coffee, baskets of fruit and pastries before we sat down for another lecture series and Q&A. Though all the lectures so far have been especially engaging, these discussions have continued to be my favorite part because you're given the opportunity to hear people from all over the world express their opinions. The fact that such discussions are taking place in locations such as Parliament and the Foreign Ministry, however, have definitely added to their appeal.

Tomorrow, unfortunately, marks the final day of class which means I only have a couple more days left in Copenhagen.As of now, weekend plans include a goodbye dinner and party organized for the class, a possible trip to Helsingør to see Kronborg Castle (aka Elsinore in Hamlet) and a lot of last minute souvenir shopping. Hope you enjoyed this round of updates, thanks again for reading!